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Sanatorium cases are specially requested to follow this procedure but
I regret to say that they seldom see the necessity to do so until the occurrence
of a severe relapse compels them to seek advice. Probably they
feel so well on leaving the sanatorium that they fancy themselves cured in
spite of the warning they one and all receive that care and constant medical
supervision are necessary to maintain any improvement in their health.
The war has indirectly affected the work in several ways. During
the winter months the attendances at the Evening Dispensary suffered
severely from the darkened streets, but the chief complaint is the
interference with treatment caused by the long hours of overtime
worked by many of the patients. At the end of a day's work they
were "played out" and too tired to attend. Others, tempted by the
high wages to be earned in munition and kindred works, left employment
more suited to their condition of health for work which rapidly
caused them to realize that the truer economy for them was to have
remained at their former employment even with the lower wages.
Like other dispensary officers I have to deplore the large number
of patients who postpone seeking advice until they are literally compelled
to do so. The belief still seems to be prevalent that consumption is
something to be ashamed of and therefore hidden at all costs. The
harm that such cases do to others, let alone to themselves, is incalculable,
because every case of tuberculosis is liable to become at any time a
potent source of infection to others.
It is satisfactory to note that the Dispensary is being more generally
recognised as an institution for a particular purpose, and this year there,
have been fewer instances of people coming up with all sortsof complaints.
In September, the Dispensary was closed for a fortnight for
painting and minor repairs. Some improvement resulted, but the
condition of the walls and stairways generally is such that constant
attention will be necessary if the place is to retain that clean and fresh
appearance that a tuberculosis dispensary should always present. Such
a dispensary should be an object lesson to the patients in cleanliness
and simple methods of ventilation.
Before concluding this portion of the Report, I have to thank the
Medical Officer of Health and all members of the staff for their cordial
co-operation and assistance in carrying, out the work of the Dispensary.
In July, Miss Greig was appointed Dispenser Clerk, vice Miss Jared,
resigned, and I greatly regret to report the death from pneumonia of
H. Hayes, the temporary caretaker, in whom the Council lost a
faithful and willing worker. A successor has been appointed, otherwise
the staff remains the same.